“All those factors and 10 days of rest have put the knee in a good spot,'' Cleary said. “For me, skating is pretty important. I tried to go as long as I could. The knee certainly feels better.''

Cleary is expected to be reunited on the third line with Darren Helm and Drew Miller, who has a career-high 12 goals.

He said the pain in his knee wasn't the only thing he's had to deal with while being idled.

“We’ve got to deal with Millsie’s big head, Babs (coach Mike Babcock) was all over me, the constant grind of being on the (training) table,'' Cleary said. “It doesn’t come without a price.''

Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg did not practice today, but Babcock said both will play Tuesday.

Defenseman Mike Commodore filled in again at forward. Babcock said Jakub Kindl will remain in the lineup in place of Commodore.

Jimmy Howard will start in goal, his first appearance since he broke his right index finger on Feb. 2.

The Red Wings are 2-1 against the Blackhawks this season, having beaten them in overtime on Jan. 8 and on Jan. 14, after losing to them on Dec. 30. All three games were 3-2.

Chicago has won three in a row after a nine-game winless streak (0-8-1). The Red Wings have opened up a 14-point lead on the Blackhawks, who've dropped to fourth in the Central Division.

“They came off it a bit, just like lots of teams come off it,'' Babcock said. “They got home and they got regrouped. Let's be careful what we wish for.''

Said Cleary: “I’m sure that their players have finally had enough. I mean, we’ve been in a similar spot earlier in the season and they’ve got guys who have won there and they weren’t happy. You just have to look at the standings and say, ‘Hey, if we don’t correct the ship here we’re going to be on the outside looking in.’ They’re a talented team and a dangerous team.''